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r.o edtoomb
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The editorial raises a valid concern about the growing gender gap in higher education, but it misses one of the biggest reasons why young men are turning away from college: many colleges and their professors and staff have become openly hostile environments for them.
For years now, higher education has promoted the idea of “toxic masculinity,” painting traditional male traits, such as competitiveness, confidence, and leadership, as flaws to be corrected rather than strengths to be developed. What was once considered healthy male behavior has been rebranded as something negative or dangerous. The message to young men is clear: you’re part of the problem before you even walk through the door. It’s no surprise that fewer are choosing to enroll.
Meanwhile, the workforce still offers plenty of good-paying, honorable jobs that don’t require a four-year degree, fields like construction, electrical work, plumbing, mechanics, and the military. These are careers that build, repair, and defend our country. They require skill, discipline, and physical capability, traits that have long been associated with traditional masculinity. While women can and do succeed in these fields, the reality is that most do not pursue them, and that’s okay. We need balance and respect for the different roles and strengths both men and women bring to society.
Instead of ignoring the male enrollment problem or being afraid to discuss it, higher education needs to take a hard look at the culture it has created. Colleges should be places that encourage men and women alike to grow, lead, and contribute not institutions that shame one gender while promoting the other. Until that changes, many young men will continue to find opportunity, pride, wives and purpose elsewhere, and who can blame them?